4 Inexpensive Ways To Stay Fit At Home

Today I’m featuring a guest post written by Caitlin Hudson! She is going to share her tips for staying fit at home, the inexpensive way!

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4 Inexpensive Ways To Stay Fit At Home

By: Caitlin Hudson

I must admit that I’m a bit of a cheapskate. So anytime I get involved with something, I’m looking for ways to cut costs. When it is just a hobby, it makes a lot of sense. For my overall fitness, minimizing my expenses makes it easier for me to get a good workout. I work hard for my money, and I don’t want to spend it on expensive equipment I don’t need. Luckily, I have so many alternatives that saving money on exercise is child’s play.

1. Exercise Group

For a long time, I did most of my exercising alone. But now, I don’t know why I did that. Having a friend or two to have along for my workout has been great. I challenge myself more, and it’s nice to have a companion to talk to about the latest celebrity gossip. Sometimes, we just get together and go for a run. But more recently, we came up with a more exciting idea. Once a week, we meet at our respective houses for a workout. Whoever owns the house sets the agenda. We usually will pop in a workout DVD, anything from relaxing yoga to butt-kicking p90x. One friend is a big Beachbody fan; when she’s the host we know it’s going to be intense! But that’s what’s great about it: great exercise and stepping out of my comfort zone.

2. Cheap Tools

The thing about most fitness equipment is that it shouldn’t be expensive, but it is. For example, if you want cardio at home, a treadmill can run you hundreds to thousands of dollars. Another option, which is a fraction of the cost, is a jump rope. Great cardio and you don’t have to break the bank. Another bonus is that is doesn’t take up space. Win-win if you ask me!

3. Chore Time

When I was a kid, I absolutely hated doing chores. They were messy, grueling and I was totally exhausted by the time I was done. Recently, I stumbled across this article and realized that chores are a cheap path to fitness. And as a plus, my home looks better when I’m done. Every minute I spend raking last fall’s leaves out of my backyard, every hour spent preparing my spring garden, is workout time for me. I even shoveled my neighbor’s driveway a couple of times last winter, because I wanted more exercise. Now I don’t feel so bad about scrubbing my kitchen floor on my hands and knees. Who needs a floor exercise when I’ve got floor chores?

4. Kids’ Games

I will freely admit that I’m one of those moms who constantly go crazy around the playground with her kids. I will climb up, slide down and run around. I love the games kids play! Freeze Tag, Red Rover, even Duck Duck Goose are all great ways to get up and active. With some practice, I have learned that playing contact games are very different from a regular workout. I’m not getting consistent exercise, like I would if I just went for a run. Rather, the periodic extreme bursts of exertion make it more like running a series of sprints with breaks sprinkled in between. It also helps me improve my overall endurance.

When I imagine how I want to get fit, I think of my kids. They are so active, and they don’t spend a dime to achieve it. I have taken their experience to heart. So, I exercise in a group, improvise my equipment, get my chores done, and give plenty of time for running around.

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Thanks Caitlin! These 4 Inexpensive Ways To Stay Fit At Home tips can come in handy when you can’t afford to hit the gym or to buy those expensive workout equipment.